Name: Key Lime Cookies with Tangy Lime Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ⅔ cup sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons key lime juice; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons key lime juice; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 21 reviews

If you adore bright, zesty desserts that bring a burst of sunshine to your day, then you absolutely must try this Key Lime Cookies with Tangy Lime Glaze Recipe. These buttery shortbread cookies are elevated by the vibrant tang of fresh key lime juice, perfectly complemented by a sweet, silky glaze that adds just the right amount of zing. With a tender crumb and a delightful balance of tart and sweet, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to bake as it is to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface: in the center is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour; above it slightly to the right is a single brown egg; above the flour slightly to the left is a small white bowl with amber vanilla liquid; to the right of the egg is a white bowl filled with white sugar crystals; further right is another white bowl with fine white powdered sugar; below the flour and to the right are two pale yellow blocks of butter on a white plate; below the butter is a whole green lime and half a lime showing the light green interior; to the left of the lime is a small white bowl with pale yellow lime juice; above the lime juice and to the left of the flour is a small white bowl with a light green salt; all items are neatly spaced and clearly labeled with bold black text; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making these Key Lime Cookies with Tangy Lime Glaze Recipe truly shine. Each item plays a crucial role in delivering that luscious texture and bright, inviting flavor that lingers with every bite.

Butter, unsalted, softened: Provides richness and creates the tender shortbread texture that melts in your mouth.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, delicate crumb in the cookies.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives the dough structure without compromising softness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor complexity and balances the tartness of the lime.
Key lime juice: The star ingredient that delivers the vibrant, tangy citrus punch these cookies are known for.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving the cookies their classic shortbread body.
Salt: A small amount intensifies the sweetness and the lime flavor for absolute perfection.
Powdered sugar: Essential for the smooth, sweet glaze that contrasts beautifully with the tangy lime.

How to Make Key Lime Cookies with Tangy Lime Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical as it incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a tender, buttery texture that makes these cookies irresistible.

Step 2: Adding Egg, Vanilla, and Key Lime Juice

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed key lime juice until everything is fully incorporated. The lime juice adds that unmistakable tartness, while the egg and vanilla add depth and richness to the flavor.

Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, combining thoroughly but gently. This careful blending prevents overworking the dough, ensuring the cookies stay tender, not tough.

Step 4: Shaping and Chilling the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each one into a log about 8 to 9 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling step not only firms up the dough for easy slicing but also helps the flavors develop beautifully.

Step 5: Baking the Cookies

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Unwrap one of the chilled dough logs and slice it into 12 even cookies, roughly 1/2 inch thick. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving about an inch between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are just starting to turn golden but the centers remain pale. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Preparing and Applying the Tangy Lime Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Carefully dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set, which should only take a few minutes. This shiny, tangy glaze adds a perfect finishing touch that enhances the lime flavor and creates a delightful contrast to the buttery cookie base.

How to Serve Key Lime Cookies with Tangy Lime Glaze Recipe

The image shows a white marbled surface with a piece of brown parchment paper on top holding 14 round sugar cookies arranged in a scattered group. Each cookie has two layers: a light yellowish-brown base with a smooth, white frosting layer on top, sprinkled with bright green lime zest. Around the cookies are whole limes, a few limes sliced in cross-sections with fan-like cuts, and a metal grater with a wooden handle resting next to a lime showing some zest caught on it. A small white bowl filled with whole limes and lime halves sits in the top left corner along with a green rosemary sprig. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Key Lime Cookies with Tangy Lime Glaze Recipe feel extra special, consider a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of finely grated lime zest or a few tiny edible flowers can add a pop of color and an extra layer of fresh citrus aroma that invites everyone to take a bite.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these cookies as part of a larger dessert spread, they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess balances the tart glaze, making every bite indulgently harmonious. A cup of light, floral tea or a chilled glass of sparkling limeade also complements the bright, summery flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is all about fun and whimsy with this cookie recipe. Consider stacking them artfully on a pretty plate, interspersed with fresh lime wedges for a fresh pop of color. Alternatively, arrange the cookies in a festive tin or candy jar for gifting, adding a personal note about what makes this Key Lime Cookies with Tangy Lime Glaze Recipe so delightful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep the glaze side up to avoid smudging the beautiful topping and maintain that fresh, tangy taste with every bite.

Freezing

These Key Lime Cookies with Tangy Lime Glaze Recipe freeze wonderfully. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature. For the best glaze appearance, glaze the cookies fresh after thawing if possible.

Reheating

While these cookies are perfect at room temperature, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can bring out their buttery softness beautifully. Avoid overheating to prevent melting the glaze or drying out the cookies.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Absolutely! While key lime juice offers a uniquely bright and slightly floral flavor, regular lime juice is a fine substitute that will still give you that essential citrus tang in the cookies and glaze.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Be sure to chill the dough logs for at least 2 hours before slicing and baking. This helps firm up the butter and reduce spreading, keeping your cookies perfectly thick and tender.

Can I make the dough ahead and freeze it before baking?

Yes! Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking as usual.

Is there a way to make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative and replacing the egg with a flax egg or other egg replacer. Keep in mind, the texture may vary slightly but the lime flavor will still shine through.

What’s the best way to get a smooth glaze consistency?

Start by whisking the powdered sugar with key lime juice slowly, adding the juice little by little until you reach a smooth, dripper-friendly consistency. Too much liquid will make the glaze runny, so add carefully.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cookies with Tangy Lime Glaze Recipe is a bright and delightful treat that brings a slice of sunshine to any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a gathering or simply a special homemade indulgence, these cookies will not only please your palate but also warm your heart. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience the perfect blend of buttery softness and zesty lime vibrancy that makes this recipe a personal favorite.